U.S. patent application number 17/745183 was filed with the patent office on 2022-09-01 for sphygmomanometer, blood pressure measurement method, and computer-readable recording medium.
This patent application is currently assigned to OMRON HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is OMRON HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Mika EZOE, Yukiya SAWANOI, Shingo YAMASHITA.
Application Number | 20220273246 17/745183 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006377075 |
Filed Date | 2022-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220273246 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YAMASHITA; Shingo ; et
al. |
September 1, 2022 |
SPHYGMOMANOMETER, BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT METHOD, AND
COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM
Abstract
A sphygmomanometer includes a first type schedule, a second type
schedule, and a control unit that disables one of first blood
pressure measurement scheduled based on the first type schedule and
second blood pressure measurement scheduled based on the second
type schedule or changes a start time of the scheduled first blood
pressure measurement or a start time of the scheduled second blood
pressure measurement to provide idle time between the first blood
pressure measurement and the second blood pressure measurement in a
case where a time zone of the scheduled first blood pressure
measurement and a time zone of the scheduled second blood pressure
measurement at least partially overlap with each other or in a case
where a time difference between the time zone of the first blood
pressure measurement and the time zone of the second blood pressure
measurement is equal to or less than a predetermined value.
Inventors: |
YAMASHITA; Shingo; (Kyoto,
JP) ; SAWANOI; Yukiya; (Kyoto, JP) ; EZOE;
Mika; (Kyoto, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
OMRON HEALTHCARE CO., LTD. |
Muko-shi |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
OMRON HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
Muko-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
1000006377075 |
Appl. No.: |
17/745183 |
Filed: |
May 16, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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PCT/JP2020/042299 |
Nov 12, 2020 |
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17745183 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/022 20130101;
A61B 5/742 20130101; A61B 5/7275 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/00 20060101
A61B005/00; A61B 5/022 20060101 A61B005/022 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 26, 2019 |
JP |
2019-213489 |
Claims
1. A sphygmomanometer having a nighttime blood pressure measurement
mode for automatically starting blood pressure measurement
according to a predetermined schedule, wherein the schedule
includes a first type schedule in which blood pressure measurement
is started at a predetermined time and a second type schedule in
which blood pressure measurement is started at a predetermined time
interval from a designated time, the sphygmomanometer comprising: a
control unit that disables one of first blood pressure measurement
scheduled based on the first type schedule and second blood
pressure measurement scheduled based on the second type schedule or
changes one of a start time of the first blood pressure measurement
and a start time of the second blood pressure measurement to
provide idle time between the first blood pressure measurement and
the second blood pressure measurement in a case where a time zone
of the first blood pressure measurement and a time zone of the
second blood pressure measurement at least partially overlap with
each other or in a case where a time difference between the time
zone of the first blood pressure measurement and the time zone of
the second blood pressure measurement is equal to or less than a
predetermined value.
2. The sphygmomanometer according to claim 1, further comprising: a
mode operation unit that inputs a mode instruction for switching a
mode to the nighttime blood pressure measurement mode, wherein the
control unit includes: a first determination unit that determines
whether or not the time zone of the first blood pressure
measurement scheduled based on the first type schedule and the time
zone of the second blood pressure measurement scheduled based on
the second type schedule at least partially overlap with each other
or whether or not the time difference between the time zone of the
first blood pressure measurement and the time zone of the second
blood pressure measurement is equal to or less than the
predetermined value as the mode instruction is input and transition
is made to the nighttime blood pressure measurement mode; and a
first adjustment unit that performs adjustment to disable one of
the first blood pressure measurement and the second blood pressure
measurement or provide the idle time between the first blood
pressure measurement and the second blood pressure measurement by
changing one of the start time of the first blood pressure
measurement and the start time of the second blood pressure
measurement as a result of the determination is obtained in a case
where the result of the determination is an affirmative result that
the time zones partially overlap or the time difference is equal to
or less than the predetermined value.
3. The sphygmomanometer according to claim 2, further comprising: a
display; and a time operation unit for inputting a shift amount by
which to shift a start time of blood pressure measurement, wherein
the first adjustment unit displays the start time of the first
blood pressure measurement and/or the start time of the second
blood pressure measurement on the display in the case where the
result of the determination is the affirmative result, and provides
the idle time between the first blood pressure measurement and the
second blood pressure measurement by shifting one of the start time
of the first blood pressure measurement and the start time of the
second blood pressure measurement by using the shift amount input
by the time operation unit:
4. The sphygmomanometer according to claim 1, wherein the control
unit includes: a second determination unit that determines whether
or not a time zone of next first blood pressure measurement
scheduled based on the first type schedule and a time zone of next
second blood pressure measurement scheduled based on the second
type schedule at least partially overlap with each other or whether
or not a time difference between the time zone of the next first
blood pressure measurement and the time zone of the next second
blood pressure measurement is equal to or less than the
predetermined value as the first blood pressure measurement based
on the first type schedule or the second blood pressure measurement
based on the second type schedule is performed in the nighttime
blood pressure measurement mode; and a second adjustment unit that
performs adjustment to disable one of the next first blood pressure
measurement and the next second blood pressure measurement or
provide the idle time between the next first blood pressure
measurement and the next second blood pressure measurement by
changing one of a start time of the next first blood pressure
measurement and a start time of the next second blood pressure
measurement as a result of the determination is obtained in a case
where the result of the determination is an affirmative result that
the time zones partially overlap or the time difference is equal to
or less than the value.
5. The sphygmomanometer according to claim 1, further comprising: a
time storage unit that stores required measurement time actually
required for past blood pressure measurement, wherein the control
unit sets a length of the time zone of the first blood pressure
measurement and a length of the time zone of the second blood
pressure measurement based on at least required measurement time
required for previous blood pressure measurement.
6. The sphygmomanometer according to claim 1, wherein the control
unit sets a length of the time zone of the first blood pressure
measurement and a length of the time zone of the second blood
pressure measurement to a certain length.
7. The sphygmomanometer according to claim 1, wherein the control
unit sets the idle time to a certain length.
8. The sphygmomanometer according to claim 1, further comprising:
an adjustment storage unit that stores that the control unit
disables one of the first blood pressure measurement and the second
blood pressure measurement or changes one of the start time of the
first blood pressure measurement and the start time of the second
blood pressure measurement to provide the idle time between the
first blood pressure measurement and the second blood pressure
measurement.
9. A blood pressure measurement method performed in a nighttime
blood pressure measurement mode for automatically starting blood
pressure measurement according to a predetermined schedule, wherein
the schedule includes a first type schedule in which blood pressure
measurement is started at a predetermined time and a second type
schedule in which blood pressure measurement is started at a
predetermined time interval from a designated time, the blood
pressure measurement method comprising: setting the first type
schedule and the second type schedule, and disabling one of first
blood pressure measurement scheduled based on the first type
schedule and second blood pressure measurement scheduled based on
the second type schedule or changing one of a start time of the
first blood pressure measurement and a start time of the second
blood pressure measurement to provide idle time between the first
blood pressure measurement and the second blood pressure
measurement in a case where a time zone of the first blood pressure
measurement and a time zone of the second blood pressure
measurement at least partially overlap with each other or in a case
where a time difference between the time zone of the first blood
pressure measurement and the time zone of the second blood pressure
measurement is equal to or less than a predetermined value.
10. A computer-readable recording medium non-transitorily storing a
program for causing a computer to execute the blood pressure
measurement method according to claim 9.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation application of International
Application No. PCT/JP2020/042299, with an International filing
date of Nov. 12, 2020, which claims priority of Japanese Patent
Application No. 2019-213489 filed on Nov. 26, 2019, the entire
content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a sphygmomanometer, and
more particularly to a sphygmomanometer having a nighttime (sleep)
blood pressure measurement mode. Further, the present invention
relates to a blood pressure measurement method for measuring blood
pressure by such a sphygmomanometer. Further, the present invention
relates to a computer-readable recording medium storing a program
for causing a computer to execute such a blood pressure measurement
method.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] In general, blood pressure measurement is preferably
performed in the same time zone every day so that blood pressure of
the subject is reliably checked. In order to satisfy this
requirement, Patent Document 1 (JP 2006-102260 A) discloses a
sphygmomanometer that performs blood pressure measurement at a
preset time. With the sphygmomanometer described above, for
example, blood pressure measurement can be automatically performed
even during the nighttime when the subject is sleeping.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] A result of blood pressure measurement during nighttime is
important information in examining the cardiovascular disease risk
of the subject. For this reason, it is preferable to obtain a
stable blood pressure value as a result of blood pressure
measurement during nighttime. It is known that a stable blood
pressure value can be calculated by performing blood pressure
measurement during nighttime at a predetermined time (for example,
2:00 AM) or at a certain time (for example, after four hours) after
sleeping. In contrast, in a case where the sleeping time of the
subject greatly changes, for example, in a case where the subject
is a shift worker and switches going to sleep at 10:00 PM and going
to sleep at 10:00 AM every week, there is a case where blood
pressure measurement cannot be performed at a predetermined time.
Therefore, blood pressure measurement during nighttime is
preferably performed at both a predetermined time and a
predetermined time interval from a time of going to sleep so that
various lifestyles of various subjects can be supported as much as
possible.
[0005] In contrast, if times at which the subject sleeps vary,
blood pressure measurement performed at the predetermined time and
blood pressure measurement performed at a predetermined time
interval from the time at which the subject goes to sleep overlap,
and the blood pressure measurement may be continuously performed.
In a case where a method of blood pressure measurement is, for
example, an oscillometric method in which a measured site of the
subject is temporarily pressed by a blood pressure measuring cuff
so that blood pressure is measured, if the blood pressure
measurement is continuously performed, the physical burden on the
subject becomes excessively large, and there is a possibility that
sleep is disturbed.
[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the
above-described problem, and it is an object of the present
invention to provide a sphygmomanometer and a blood pressure
measurement method by which a situation in which blood pressure
measurement is continuously performed when blood pressure
measurement performed at a predetermined time overlaps with or is
close to blood pressure measurement performed at a predetermined
time interval from a time of going to sleep can be avoided.
Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a
computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a
computer to execute such a blood pressure measurement method.
[0007] In order to achieve the object, a sphygmomanometer of the
present disclosure has a nighttime blood pressure measurement mode
for automatically starting blood pressure measurement according to
a predetermined schedule, wherein
[0008] the schedule includes a first type schedule in which blood
pressure measurement is started at a predetermined time and a
second type schedule in which blood pressure measurement is started
at a predetermined time interval from a designated time, the
sphygmomanometer comprising:
[0009] a control unit that disables one of first blood pressure
measurement scheduled based on the first type schedule and second
blood pressure measurement scheduled based on the second type
schedule or changes one of a start time of the first blood pressure
measurement and a start time of the second blood pressure
measurement to provide idle time between the first blood pressure
measurement and the second blood pressure measurement in a case
where a time zone of the first blood pressure measurement and a
time zone of the second blood pressure measurement at least
partially overlap with each other or in a case where a time
difference between the time zone of the first blood pressure
measurement and the time zone of the second blood pressure
measurement is equal to or less than a predetermined value.
[0010] In the present description, the "first type schedule" and
the "second type schedule" included in the "schedule" define start
times of blood pressure measurement (which usually requires for
about one minute to two minutes). The "time interval" of the blood
pressure measurement in the "second type schedule" means an
interval between the "designated time" and a start time of certain
blood pressure measurement or an interval between a start time of
certain blood pressure measurement and a next start time, and is
assumed to have the same meaning as a cycle.
[0011] The "designated time" means a time designated by the user
(typically, the subject) of the sphygmomanometer, and may be, for
example, a time when the user inputs an instruction to make a
transition to the nighttime blood pressure measurement mode to the
sphygmomanometer.
[0012] The "time zone" of the blood pressure measurement refers to
time (for example, in the oscillometric method in which a measured
site of the subject is temporarily pressed by a blood pressure
measuring cuff to measure blood pressure, it usually takes about
one minute to two minutes) in which the blood pressure measurement
is actually performed.
[0013] In another aspect, a blood pressure measurement method of
the present disclosure is performed in a nighttime blood pressure
measurement mode for automatically starting blood pressure
measurement according to a predetermined schedule, wherein
[0014] the schedule includes a first type schedule in which blood
pressure measurement is started at a predetermined time and a
second type schedule in which blood pressure measurement is started
at a predetermined time interval from a designated time, the blood
pressure measurement method comprising:
[0015] setting the first type schedule and the second type
schedule, and
[0016] disabling one of first blood pressure measurement scheduled
based on the first type schedule and second blood pressure
measurement scheduled based on the second type schedule or changing
one of a start time of the first blood pressure measurement and a
start time of the second blood pressure measurement to provide idle
time between the first blood pressure measurement and the second
blood pressure measurement in a case where the time zone of the
first blood pressure measurement and the time zone of the second
blood pressure measurement at least partially overlap with each
other or in a case where a time difference between the time zone of
the first blood pressure measurement and the time zone of the
second blood pressure measurement is equal to or less than a
predetermined value.
[0017] In still another aspect, a computer-readable recording
medium of the present disclosure is a computer-readable recording
medium non-transitorily storing a program for causing a computer to
execute the blood pressure measurement method.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying
drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are
not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a wrist-type
sphygmomanometer according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating a state in which the
wrist-type sphygmomanometer illustrated in FIG. 1 is wound around a
left wrist.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the wrist-type sphygmomanometer
illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of nighttime blood pressure
measurement performed by the wrist-type sphygmomanometer
illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram illustrating adjustment of a
measurement time by the wrist-type sphygmomanometer illustrated in
FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram illustrating adjustment of a
measurement time by the wrist-type sphygmomanometer illustrated in
FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 5C is a schematic diagram illustrating adjustment of a
measurement time by the wrist-type sphygmomanometer illustrated in
FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for shifting a measurement time by the
wrist-type sphygmomanometer illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram illustrating adjustment of a
measurement time by the wrist-type sphygmomanometer of another
embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram illustrating adjustment of a
measurement time by the wrist-type sphygmomanometer of another
embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 7C is a schematic diagram illustrating adjustment of a
measurement time by the wrist-type sphygmomanometer of another
embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of nighttime blood pressure
measurement performed by the wrist-type sphygmomanometer of another
embodiment.
MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0031] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a wrist-type sphygmomanometer
according to the present invention will be described with reference
to the accompanying drawings.
[0032] [Wrist-Type Sphygmomanometer]
[0033] FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a wrist-type
sphygmomanometer (hereinafter, referred to as the
"sphygmomanometer") 100 according to an embodiment of the present
invention. As will be described later, the sphygmomanometer 100 has
a normal blood pressure measurement mode in which blood pressure
measurement is started immediately after a blood pressure
measurement switch is turned on, and a nighttime blood pressure
measurement mode in which blood pressure measurement is started at
a predetermined time or a predetermined time interval from a
designated time.
[0034] [Configuration of Wrist-Type Sphygmomanometer]
[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the sphygmomanometer 100 includes
a cuff 10 for blood pressure measurement wound around a measurement
target site of a subject and a sphygmomanometer main body 20
integrally attached to the cuff 10.
[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the sphygmomanometer 100 according
to the embodiment is a wrist-type sphygmomanometer. Therefore, the
cuff 10 has an elongated band-like shape so as to be wound around a
left wrist 210 of a subject 200, for example. The cuff 10 contains
an air bag (see FIG. 3) for compressing the left wrist 210. Note
that, in order to always maintain the cuff 10 in an annular shape,
a curler (not illustrated) having appropriate flexibility may be
provided in the cuff 10.
[0037] The sphygmomanometer main body 20 is integrally attached to
a substantially central portion in a longitudinal direction of the
cuff 10 having a band shape. In an embodiment, a portion to which
the sphygmomanometer main body 20 is attached is supposed to
correspond to a palmar surface (surface on the palm side) 210a of
the left wrist 210.
[0038] The sphygmomanometer main body 20 has a flat and
substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape along an outer
peripheral surface of the cuff 10, and is formed to be small and
thin so as not to disturb sleep of the subject 200. Further, a
corner portion connecting an upper surface (surface appearing in
FIG. 1) of the sphygmomanometer main body 20 and a side surface
surrounding the upper surface is chamfered in a curved shape.
[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a display 30 forming a display
screen and an operation unit 40 for inputting an instruction from
the subject 200 are provided on an upper surface on the side
farthest from the left wrist 210 of an outer surface of the
sphygmomanometer main body 20.
[0040] In the embodiment, the display 30 includes a liquid crystal
display (LCD), and is configured to display predetermined
information, for example, a maximal blood pressure (unit; mmHg), a
minimal blood pressure (unit; mmHg), a pulse (units; beats per
minute), and also winding determination of the cuff 10 described
later in accordance with a control signal from a central processing
unit (CPU) 110 described later. Note that the display 30 may be
either an organic EL display or a light emitting diode (LED).
[0041] The operation unit 40 has a plurality of buttons or switches
operated by the subject 200. In the embodiment, the operation unit
40 includes a blood pressure measurement switch 42A for the subject
200 to input a blood pressure measurement instruction in the normal
blood pressure measurement mode, and a nighttime measurement switch
(mode operation unit) 42B for the subject 200 to input a blood
pressure measurement instruction in the nighttime blood pressure
measurement mode. The blood pressure measurement switch 42A
functions as a switch that stops blood pressure measurement being
executed when the switch is pressed during the blood pressure
measurement.
[0042] In description below, "normal blood pressure measurement"
refers to blood pressure measurement started immediately after the
blood pressure measurement switch 42A is turned on. Further, in
description below, "nighttime blood pressure measurement" means
blood pressure measurement automatically performed according to a
predetermined schedule after a blood pressure measurement
instruction is input through the nighttime measurement switch 42B,
and is performed, for example, during sleep of the subject 200. The
blood pressure measurement performed according to a predetermined
schedule is, for example, blood pressure measurement performed at a
set time such as 1:00, 2:00, or 3:00 in the middle of the night, or
blood pressure measurement performed at, for example, two-hour
intervals after the nighttime measurement switch 42B is
pressed.
[0043] In the embodiment, both the blood pressure measurement
switch 42A and the nighttime measurement switch 42B are momentary
type (self-return type) switches, and are configured to be turned
on only while being pushed down, and to be returned to an off state
when being released.
[0044] FIG. 3 illustrates a block configuration of the
sphygmomanometer 100.
[0045] The air bag 12 included in the cuff 10 described above and
various fluid control devices (described below) included in the
sphygmomanometer main body 20 are connected by an air pipe 50 in a
manner that a fluid can circulate.
[0046] In addition to the display 30 and the operation unit 40
described above, the sphygmomanometer main body 20 includes a CPU
110 as a control unit, a memory 112 as an adjustment storage unit,
a power supply unit 114, a pressure sensor 62, a pump 72, and a
valve 82. Further, the sphygmomanometer main body 20 includes an
A/D conversion circuit 64 that converts output of the pressure
sensor 62 from an analog signal to a digital signal, a pump drive
circuit 74 that drives the pump 72, and a valve drive circuit 84
that drives the valve 82. The pressure sensor 62, the pump 72, and
the valve 82 are connected to the air bag 12 through the air pipe
50 in a manner that a fluid can circulate.
[0047] The memory 112 stores a program for controlling the
sphygmomanometer 100, data used for controlling the
sphygmomanometer 100, setting data for setting various functions of
the sphygmomanometer 100, data of a measurement result of a blood
pressure value, and the like. The memory 112 is also used as a work
memory that temporarily stores various types of information during
program execution. In particular, the memory 112 according to the
embodiment is configured as a program storage unit, and stores a
normal blood pressure measurement program and a nighttime blood
pressure measurement program for calculating blood pressure by an
oscillometric method, a measurement time setting program for
setting a predetermined time (hereinafter, referred to as the
absolute measurement time) and a time (hereinafter, referred to as
the relative measurement time) provided at a predetermined time
interval from a designated time, a measurement time comparison
program for comparing the absolute measurement time and the
relative measurement time, and a measurement time update program
for updating the absolute measurement time or the relative
measurement time, which will be described later.
[0048] The CPU (control unit) 110 is configured to control
operation of the entire sphygmomanometer 100. Specifically, the CPU
110 is configured as a pressure control unit that drives the pump
72 or the valve 82 according to a program for controlling the
sphygmomanometer 100 stored in the memory 112, a measurement time
setting unit that executes a measurement time setting program to be
described later, a measurement time comparison unit (determination
unit) that executes a measurement time comparison program to be
described later, a measurement time update unit (adjustment unit)
that executes a measurement time update program to be described
later, and a nighttime measurement implementation unit that
executes the nighttime blood pressure measurement program at the
absolute measurement time and the relative measurement time. The
CPU 110 also displays, on the display 30, a blood pressure value
obtained by executing the normal blood pressure measurement program
or the nighttime blood pressure measurement program and the
absolute measurement time and the relative measurement time of
nighttime blood pressure measurement that are updated, and stores
the blood pressure value and the updated absolute measurement time
and relative measurement time in the memory 112.
[0049] In the embodiment, the power supply unit 114 includes a
secondary battery, and is configured to supply power to each unit
of the CPU 110, the pressure sensor 62, the pump 72, the valve 82,
the display 30, the memory 112, the A/D conversion circuit 64, the
pump drive circuit 74, and the valve drive circuit 84. The power
supply unit 114 is also configured to be able to switch between on
and off states, and becomes in the on state when the blood pressure
measurement switch 42A is continuously pressed for three seconds or
more, for example, in the off state.
[0050] The pump 72 is configured to supply air as a fluid to the
air bag 12 through the air pipe 50 in order to increase the
pressure (hereinafter, referred to as the "cuff pressure" as
appropriate) in the air bag 12 built in the cuff 10. The valve 82
is configured to discharge air in the air bag 12 through the air
pipe 50 by opening or hold cuff pressure by closing in order to
control the cuff pressure. The pump drive circuit 74 is configured
to drive the pump 72 based on a control signal provided from the
CPU 110. The valve drive circuit 84 is configured to open and close
the valve 82 based on a control signal provided from the CPU
110.
[0051] The pressure sensor 62 and the A/D conversion circuit 64 are
configured to detect cuff pressure. The pressure sensor 62 in the
embodiment is a piezoresistive pressure sensor, and detects and
outputs the cuff pressure of the air bag 12 as electric resistance
due to a piezoresistive effect. The A/D conversion circuit 64
converts output (electric resistance) of the pressure sensor 62
from an analog signal to a digital signal and outputs the digital
signal to the CPU 110. In the embodiment, the CPU 110 acquires the
cuff pressure according to the electric resistance output from the
pressure sensor 62.
[0052] [Blood Pressure Measurement Program]
[0053] The blood pressure measurement program calculates blood
pressure of the subject 200 with the sphygmomanometer main body 20
attached to the left wrist 210. The blood pressure measurement
program includes a normal blood pressure measurement program and a
nighttime blood pressure measurement program. The normal blood
pressure measurement program assumes that the subject 200 sits on a
chair or the like and keeps the left wrist 210 to which the
sphygmomanometer main body 20 is attached at the same height as the
heart of the subject 200. The nighttime blood pressure measurement
program assumes that the subject 200 lies on a bed or the like, and
the left wrist 210 to which the sphygmomanometer main body 20 is
attached is placed at a position lower than the heart of the
subject 200. It is known that different blood pressure values are
calculated when a relationship between the height of the
sphygmomanometer main body 20 and the height of the heart of the
subject 200 is different. For this reason, in the normal blood
pressure measurement program and the nighttime blood pressure
measurement program, a parameter used for blood pressure
calculation is adjusted in advance in consideration of a
relationship between the height of the sphygmomanometer main body
20 and the height of the heart of the subject 200 assumed by the
programs.
[0054] When performing the normal blood pressure measurement
program or the nighttime blood pressure measurement program, the
CPU 110 obtains a pulse wave signal from a fluctuation component of
a pulse wave included in cuff pressure obtained by the pressure
sensor 62, and calculates a blood pressure value (maximal blood
pressure and minimal blood pressure) by using each program stored
in the memory 112.
[0055] [Nighttime Blood Pressure Measurement Mode]
[0056] The nighttime blood pressure measurement will be described.
In the embodiment, 2:00 AM, 3:00 AM, and 4:00 AM are stored in
advance in the memory 112 as initial values of the absolute
measurement time at which the nighttime blood pressure measurement
program is executed. The measurement time setting program refers to
the above times stored in the memory 112 and sets them to absolute
measurement times T1, T2, and T3 in the nighttime blood pressure
measurement. FIG. 5A is a schedule of the absolute measurement
times T1, T2, and T3, and illustrates that the nighttime blood
pressure measurement program is executed for two minutes at the
absolute measurement times T1, T2, and T3.
[0057] When the subject 200 who has not slept yet presses the
nighttime measurement switch 42B of the sphygmomanometer main body
20 once in a state where the cuff 10 of the sphygmomanometer 100 is
wound around the left wrist 210 of the subject 200, a blood
pressure measurement instruction (mode instruction) during the
nighttime is output to the CPU 110. In this manner, the CPU 110
drives the pump 72 and the valve 82 to increase the cuff pressure
of the cuff 10, and the left wrist 210 is temporarily pressed by
the cuff 10. Further, a time at which the blood pressure
measurement Instruction during nighttime is output to the CPU 110
is a designated time T10. The measurement time setting program sets
times provided at two-hour intervals from the designated time T10
to relative measurement times T11 and T12. FIG. 5B is a schedule of
the relative measurement times T11 and T12 when the designated time
T10 is 1:01 AM, and indicates that the nighttime blood pressure
measurement program is executed for two minutes at the relative
measurement times T11 and T12 (in this case, the relative
measurement time T11 is 3:01 AM, and the relative measurement time
T12 is 5:01 AM).
[0058] The CPU 110 of the sphygmomanometer 100 compares the set
absolute measurement times T1, T2, and T3 with the relative
measurement times T11 and T12 based on the measurement time
comparison program. In the embodiment, when determining that any of
blood pressure measurement (first type schedule) performed at the
absolute measurement times T1, T2, and T3 and any of blood pressure
measurement (second type schedule) performed at the relative
measurement times T11 and T12 overlap, the CPU 110 shifts the
absolute measurement times T1, T2, and T3 or the relative
measurement times T11 and T12 based on the measurement time update
program.
[0059] After the above, the nighttime blood pressure measurement
program is executed according to the schedule of the absolute
measurement times T1, T2, and T3 and the schedule of the relative
measurement times T11 and T12. However, when the nighttime
measurement switch 42B is pushed down again during the time until
the sphygmomanometer 100 performs blood pressure measurement of the
subject 200 in sleep in the nighttime (for example, within waiting
time until a time at which a predetermined nighttime blood pressure
measurement program is executed), the nighttime blood pressure
measurement is instructed to stop, and the nighttime blood pressure
measurement program is not executed.
[0060] In the embodiment, the absolute measurement times T1, T2,
and T3 are set to 2:00 AM, 3:00 AM, and 4:00 AM, respectively.
However, the present invention is not limited to this content, and
the absolute measurement times T1, T2, and T3 may be set to
different times such as 0:00 AM and 1:00 AM, for example. Further,
the relative measurement times T11 and T12 are set to times
provided at two-hour intervals from the designated time T10.
However, the present invention is not limited to this content, and
the relative measurement times T11 and T12 may be set to, for
example, times one hour and three hours after the designated time
T10.
[0061] FIG. 4 illustrates an operation process when the subject 200
performs the nighttime blood pressure measurement by the
sphygmomanometer 100. During the nighttime blood pressure
measurement, the subject 200 wearing the sphygmomanometer 100 on
the left wrist 210 remains to be in a state of lying on a bed or
the like. Further, when the power supply unit 114 is in an on
state, the absolute measurement times T1, T2, and T3 are already
set.
[0062] In this state, as shown in Step S1 of FIG. 4, when the
subject 200 presses the nighttime measurement switch 42B provided
on the sphygmomanometer main body 20 and inputs a nighttime blood
pressure measurement instruction, the CPU 110 sets the
above-described relative measurement times T11 and T12 based on the
designated time T10 by the measurement time setting program.
[0063] Next, based on the measurement time comparison program, the
CPU 110 determines whether or not the blood pressure measurement
performed at the set absolute measurement times T1, T2, and T3 and
the blood pressure measurement performed at the relative
measurement times T11 and T12 overlap (Step S2). Specifically, the
measurement time comparison program sets a length of a time zone of
measurement (time zone of the first blood pressure measurement) at
the absolute measurement times T1, T2, and T3 and a length of a
time zone of measurement (time zone of the second blood pressure
measurement) at the relative measurement times T11 and T12 to
required measurement time T20 (two minutes in the embodiment) of a
certain length required for measurement. In this manner, the length
of the time zone of measurement at the absolute measurement times
T1, T2, and T3 and the length of the time zone of measurement at
the relative measurement times T11 and T12 are easily set. When the
time zone of measurement at the absolute measurement times T1, T2,
and T3 and the time zone of measurement at the relative measurement
times T11 and T12 at least partially overlap, it is determined that
the blood pressure measurement performed at the absolute
measurement times T1, T2, and T3 and the blood pressure measurement
performed at the relative measurement times T11 and T12 "overlap"
(have an affirmative result). In contrast, when the time zone of
measurement at the absolute measurement times T1, T2, and T3 and
the time zone of measurement at the relative measurement times T11
and T12 do not overlap at all, it is determined that the blood
pressure measurement performed at the absolute measurement times
T1, T2, and T3 and the blood pressure measurement performed at the
relative measurement times T11 and T12 "do not overlap".
[0064] As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the absolute measurement
times T1, T2, and T3 are set to 2:00 AM, 3:00 AM, and 4:00 AM,
respectively, and the relative measurement times T11 and T12 are
set to 3:01 AM and 5:01 AM, respectively. At this time, an absolute
measurement time zone of the absolute measurement time T2 (3:00 AM)
and a relative measurement time zone of the relative measurement
time T11 (3:01 AM) partially overlap (the relative measurement time
T11 is within the absolute measurement time zone of the absolute
measurement time T2). Therefore, the blood pressure measurement
performed at the absolute measurement time T2 and the blood
pressure measurement performed at the relative measurement time T11
are determined to "overlap". In contrast, since the other absolute
measurement time zones and the relative measurement time zone do
not overlap at all (the relative measurement time T12 is not within
absolute measurement time zones of the other absolute measurement
times), the blood pressure measurement performed at the other
absolute measurement times and the relative measurement time is
determined "not to overlap". In this manner, a length of the time
zone of measurement at the absolute measurement times T1, T2, and
T3 and a length of the time zone of measurement at the relative
measurement times T11 and T12, which are used for determination,
become constant, so that a stable determination result can be
obtained.
[0065] When the blood pressure measurement performed at the
absolute measurement times T1, T2, and T3 and the blood pressure
measurement performed at the relative measurement times T11 and T12
are determined to "overlap" in Step S2, the CPU 110 adjusts the
absolute measurement times T1, T2, and T3 and the relative
measurement times T11 and T12 based on the measurement time update
program (Step S3). Specifically, the measurement time update
program shifts the relative measurement times T11 and T12 such that
idle time T22 of a certain length, for example, one minute is
provided between the absolute measurement time zones of the
absolute measurement times T1, T2, and T3 and the relative
measurement time zones of the relative measurement times T11 and
T12. In this manner, a length of the idle time T22 may be easily
set.
[0066] As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, since an absolute
measurement time zone of the absolute measurement time T2 and a
relative measurement time zone of the relative measurement time T11
partially overlap with each other among the absolute measurement
times T1, T2, and T3 and the relative measurement times T11 and T12
that are set first, the blood pressure measurement performed at the
absolute measurement time T2 and the blood pressure measurement
performed at the relative measurement time T11 are determined to
"overlap". At this time, based on the measurement time update
program, the CPU 110 delays the relative measurement time T11, that
is, updates the relative measurement time T11 from 3:01 AM to 3:03
AM (see FIG. 5C) so as to provide the idle time T22 between the
absolute measurement time zones of the absolute measurement times
T1, T2, and T3 and the relative measurement time zones of the
relative measurement times T11 and T12, that is, to extend time
from a scheduled end time (3:02 AM) of the measurement at the
absolute measurement time T2 to a scheduled start time (3:01 AM) of
the measurement at the relative measurement time T11 to the idle
time T22 (one minute). Therefore, the blood pressure measurement
performed at the absolute measurement time T2 and the blood
pressure measurement performed at the relative measurement time T11
are set "not to overlap". In this manner, after the subject 200
inputs a nighttime blood pressure measurement instruction by the
nighttime measurement switch 42B, adjustment by the CPU 110 is
performed within time in which the subject 200 is expected not to
have fallen asleep yet. Further, a situation in which the blood
pressure measurement is continuously performed is avoided, and
physical burden on the subject 200 is reduced.
[0067] At this time, the CPU 110 stores that the absolute
measurement times T1, T2, and T3 and the relative measurement times
T11 and T12 are adjusted in the memory 112 together with the
absolute measurement times T1, T2, and T3 and the adjusted relative
measurement times T11 and T12. In this manner, when the blood
pressure measurement (blood pressure measurement performed at the
absolute measurement times T1, T2, and T3) performed at a
predetermined time and the blood pressure measurement (blood
pressure measurement performed at the relative measurement times
T11 and T12) performed at a predetermined time interval from going
to sleep overlap or are close to each other in the nighttime blood
pressure measurement, the subject 200 can confirm that a situation
in which the blood pressure measurement is continuously performed
is avoided afterwards, for example, after getting up.
[0068] After the above, the CPU 110 outputs the absolute
measurement times T1, T2, and T3 and the adjusted relative
measurement times T11 and T12 to the display 30 to indicate that
the relative measurement times T11 and T12 are updated (Step S4).
In this manner, the subject 200 views the display of the display 30
and can recognize that the blood pressure measurement performed at
the absolute measurement times T1, T2, and T3 and the blood
pressure measurement performed at the relative measurement times
T11 and T12 are determined to "overlap" (a determination result is
an affirmative result), and that adjustment processing of adjusting
the relative measurement times T11 and T12 is performed.
[0069] After the above, the CPU 110 determines whether it is the
absolute measurement times T1, T2, and T3 or the relative
measurement times T11 and T12 (Step S5), and if it is not any of
the measurement times (when the process proceeds to NO in Step S5),
it waits until the measurement time comes.
[0070] When it is the measurement time (when the process proceeds
to YES in Step S5), the CPU 110 initializes the pressure sensor 62
(Step S6). Specifically, the CPU 110 initializes a processing
memory area, stops the pump 72, and performs 0 mmHg adjustment
(setting the atmospheric pressure to 0 mmHg) of the pressure sensor
62 in a state where the valve 82 is opened.
[0071] Next, the CPU 110 closes the valve 82 via the valve drive
circuit 84 (Step S7), and then drives the pump 72 via the pump
drive circuit 74 to start pressurization of the cuff 10 (air bag
12) (Step S8). At this time, the CPU 110 controls a pressurization
rate of cuff pressure, which is pressure in the air bag 12, based
on output of the pressure sensor 62 while supplying air from the
pump 72 to the air bag 12 through the air pipe 50.
[0072] Next, in Step S9, the CPU 110 calculates a blood pressure
value (maximal blood pressure and minimal blood pressure) by using
the above-described nighttime blood pressure measurement program
stored in the memory 112 based on a pulse wave signal acquired at
this time point.
[0073] At this time point, when the blood pressure value cannot be
calculated yet due to insufficient data (when the process proceeds
to NO in Step S10), the CPU 110 repeats the processing of Steps S8
and S9 unless the cuff pressure reaches an upper limit pressure
(which is predetermined for safety at, for example, 300 mmHg).
[0074] When the blood pressure value is calculated (in a case where
the process proceeds to YES in Step S10), the CPU 110 performs
control to stop the pump 72 (Step S11), open the valve 82 (Step
S12), and exhaust the air in the cuff 10 (air bag 12).
[0075] After the above, the CPU 110 displays the calculated blood
pressure value on the display 30 (Step S13), and performs control
to store the blood pressure value in the memory 112.
[0076] When one time of blood pressure measurement set in the
schedule described above is completed, the CPU 110 determines
whether or not all the blood pressure measurements set in the above
schedule are completed (Step S14). In a case where the blood
pressure measurement set in the schedule described above is still
scheduled (when the process proceeds to "not completed" in Step
S14), the CPU 110 returns to Step S5, determines whether or not it
is a next measurement time among the absolute measurement times T1,
T2, and T3 and the relative measurement times T11 and T12, and
waits until the measurement time comes if it is not the measurement
time (when the process proceeds to NO in Step S5).
[0077] When it is a next measurement time among the absolute
measurement times T1, T2, and T3 and the relative measurement times
T11 and T12 (when the process proceeds to YES in Step S5), the CPU
110 repeats the processing of Steps S6 to S13, and again determines
whether or not all the blood pressure measurements at the absolute
measurement times T1, T2, and T3 and the relative measurement times
T11 and T12 are completed in Step S14.
[0078] When all the blood pressure measurements at the absolute
measurement times T1, T2, and T3 and the relative measurement times
T11 and T12 are completed (when the process proceeds to "end" in
Step S14), the CPU 110 ends the nighttime blood pressure
measurement.
[0079] Note that, in the measurement time update program described
above, the relative measurement times T11 and T12 are shifted so
that the idle time T22 of a certain length (in the above example,
one minute) is provided between the absolute measurement time zones
of the absolute measurement times T1, T2, and T3 and the relative
measurement time zones of the relative measurement times T11 and
T12. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For
example, the idle time may be provided as desired by the user.
Specifically, when a time zone of measurement at the absolute
measurement times T1, T2, and T3 and a time zone of measurement at
the relative measurement times T11 and T12 at least partially
overlap (Step S2 in FIG. 4), as shown in Step S31 in FIG. 6, the
CPU 110 causes the display 30 to display the absolute measurement
times T1, T2, and T3 as start times of the first blood pressure
measurement and the relative measurement times T11 and T12 as start
times of the second blood pressure measurement. Next, the CPU 110
determines whether or not the subject 200 inputs a shift amount by
which to shift a start time of the blood pressure measurement by
operating the nighttime measurement switch (time operation unit)
42B in order to adjust the relative measurement times T11 and T12
(Step S32). If the subject 200 does not input the shift amount
(when the process proceeds to NO in Step S32), the CPU 110 waits
until the subject 200 inputs the shift amount. In contrast, when
the subject 200 operates the nighttime measurement switch 42B to
input the shift amount (when the process proceeds to YES in Step
S32), the CPU 110 shifts one of the absolute measurement times T1,
T2, and T3 and the relative measurement times T11 and T12 by using
the input shift amount to provide idle time (T22') between the
absolute measurement times T1, T2, and T3 and the relative
measurement times T11 and T12. For example, in the example of
overlap of FIGS. 5A and 5B, the relative measurement time T11 is
shifted in a direction of being delayed by the input shift amount
(for example, three minutes), and the idle time T22' is provided
between the absolute measurement time T2 and the relative
measurement time T11. In this manner, the idle time T22' can be
provided between the absolute measurement time zones of the
absolute measurement times T1, T2, and T3 and the relative
measurement time zones of the relative measurement times T11 and
T12 as desired by the subject 200.
[0080] Further, in the measurement time update program described
above, the relative measurement times T11 and T12 are shifted so
that the idle time T22 is provided between the absolute measurement
time zones of the absolute measurement times T1, T2, and T3 and the
relative measurement time zones of the relative measurement times
T11 and T12. In this manner, the blood pressure measurement
performed at the absolute measurement times T1, T2, and T3 and the
blood pressure measurement performed at the relative measurement
times T11 and T12 are adjusted so as not to overlap with each
other. In contrast, as illustrated in FIGS. 7A to 7C, when the
absolute measurement time zone of the absolute measurement time T2
and the relative measurement time zone of the relative measurement
time T11 partially overlap with each other among the absolute
measurement times T1, T2, and T3 and the relative measurement times
T11 and T12 that are set first, the measurement time update program
may perform adjustment such that the blood pressure measurement
performed at the absolute measurement time T2 and the blood
pressure measurement performed at the relative measurement time T11
do not overlap by disabling the blood pressure measurement at the
relative measurement time T11.
[0081] When the time zone of measurement at the absolute
measurement times T1, T2, and T3 and the time zone of measurement
at the relative measurement times T11 and T12 at least partially
overlap, the measurement time comparison program determines that
the blood pressure measurement performed at the absolute
measurement times T1, T2, and T3 and the blood pressure measurement
performed at the relative measurement times T11 and T12 "overlap".
In contrast, also in a case where a time difference between the
time zone of measurement at the absolute measurement times T1, T2,
and T3 and the time zone of measurement at the relative measurement
times T11 and T12 is equal to or less than a predetermined value,
for example, one minute or less, the blood pressure measurement
performed at the absolute measurement times T1, T2, and T3 and the
blood pressure measurement performed at the relative measurement
times T11 and T12 may be determined to "overlap". In this manner,
the CPU 110 can reliably provide one minute, which is predetermined
extended time, between the absolute measurement time zones of the
absolute measurement times T1, T2, and T3 and the relative
measurement time zones of the relative measurement times T11 and
T12.
[0082] When the blood pressure measurement (blood pressure
measurement performed at the absolute measurement times T1, T2, and
T3) performed at a predetermined time and the blood pressure
measurement (blood pressure measurement performed at the relative
measurement times T11 and T12) performed at a predetermined time
interval from going to sleep overlap or are close to each other in
the nighttime blood pressure measurement, a situation in which the
blood pressure measurement is continuously performed is avoided.
Therefore, the physical burden on the subject 200 is small, and
sleep is not inhibited.
[0083] Since the sphygmomanometer 100 is of a type that presses a
wrist (the left wrist 210 in the embodiment, which may be the right
wrist) as a measured site, it is expected that the sphygmomanometer
100 is less likely to disturb sleep of the subject 200 than that of
a type that presses an upper arm. Therefore, the sphygmomanometer
100 is suitable for the nighttime blood pressure measurement.
[0084] Further, since the sphygmomanometer 100 is integrally and
compactly configured as a wrist-type sphygmomanometer, the subject
200 can easily handle the sphygmomanometer.
Other Embodiments
[0085] In the above-described embodiment, the measurement time
comparison program (Step S2) and the measurement time update
program (Step S3) are executed before the absolute measurement
times T1, T2, and T3 and the relative measurement times T11 and
T12, but may be executed after the blood pressure measurement at
the absolute measurement times T1, T2, and T3 and the relative
measurement times T11 and T12 is completed as illustrated in FIG.
8. In this case, the CPU 110 preferably calculates time required
for the measurement (Step S120) after a calculated blood pressure
value is displayed (Step S113). The CPU 110 may store the
calculated time in the memory (time storage unit) 112 as the
required measurement time T20. Further, the required measurement
time T20 stored in the memory 112 is not limited to time required
for the blood pressure measurement at the absolute measurement
times T1, T2, and T3 and the relative measurement times T11 and
T12, and may be, for example, time required when measurement is
performed in the normal blood pressure measurement mode before the
sphygmomanometer 100 is set to the nighttime blood pressure
measurement mode. After the above, if not all the blood pressure
measurements at the absolute measurement times T1, T2, and T3 and
the relative measurement times T11 and T12 are completed (when the
process proceeds to "not completed" in Step S121), the CPU 110
executes the measurement time comparison program (Step S122). In
this manner, since the CPU 110 makes a determination based on
actual required measurement time, the accuracy of setting a length
of the time zone is improved, and an appropriate determination
result can be obtained. When the blood pressure measurement
performed at a next one of the absolute measurement times T1, T2,
and T3 and the blood pressure measurement performed at a next one
of the relative measurement times T11 and T12 are determined to
"overlap", the CPU 110 adjusts the next one of the absolute
measurement times T1, T2, and T3 and the next one of the relative
measurement times T11 and T12 based on the measurement time update
program (Step S123). After the adjustment of the next one of the
absolute measurement times T1, T2, and T3 and the next one of the
relative measurement times T11 and T12 is completed, or when the
blood pressure measurement performed at the next one of the
absolute measurement times T1, T2, and T3 and the blood pressure
measurement performed at the next one of the relative measurement
times T11 and T12 are determined "not to overlap", the CPU 110
returns to Step S105 of determining whether or not the absolute
measurement times T1, T2, and T3 or the relative measurement times
T11 and T12 come. In this manner, the adjustment by the CPU 110 is
performed every time the blood pressure measurement performed at
the absolute measurement times T1, T2, and T3 or the blood pressure
measurement performed at the relative measurement times T11 and T12
is performed. Other steps are performed similarly to those in the
operation process illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0086] In the above-described embodiment, the measurement time
update program adjusts the relative measurement times T11 and T12,
but may be configured to adjust the absolute measurement times T1,
T2, and T3.
[0087] In the above-described embodiment, the CPU 110 calculates
blood pressure in a pressurization process of the cuff 10 (air bag
12), but may calculate the blood pressure in a depressurization
process of the cuff.
[0088] In the above-described embodiment, the sphygmomanometer 100
includes the blood pressure measurement switch 42A to which a
normal blood pressure measurement instruction is input and the
nighttime measurement switch 42B to which a nighttime blood
pressure measurement instruction is input. However, for example, a
signal receiving unit of the sphygmomanometer receives the
instruction (mode instruction) from a smartphone or the like
existing outside the sphygmomanometer via wireless communication,
and the signal received by the signal receiving unit may be
replaced with a signal output from the normal blood pressure
measurement switch or the nighttime measurement switch to the
CPU.
[0089] In the above-described embodiment, the sphygmomanometer 100
is configured such that the blood pressure measurement switch 42A
outputs a signal of the normal blood pressure measurement
instruction to the CPU 110, and the nighttime measurement switch
42B outputs a signal of the nighttime blood pressure measurement
instruction to the CPU 110. However, for example, the configuration
may be such that the blood pressure measurement switch is pressed
once to output the signal (mode instruction) of the normal blood
pressure measurement instruction to the CPU, and the blood pressure
measurement switch is pressed twice within a certain time to output
the signal (mode instruction) of the nighttime blood pressure
measurement instruction to the CPU.
[0090] In the above-described embodiment, the sphygmomanometer main
body 20 is integrally attached to the cuff 10, but may be provided
separately from the cuff and connected to the cuff 10 (air bag 12)
via a flexible air tube in a manner that a fluid can circulate.
[0091] In the above-described embodiment, the normal blood pressure
measurement program, the nighttime blood pressure measurement
program, the measurement time setting program, the measurement time
comparison program, the measurement time update program, and a
process of these are stored in the memory 112 as software, but may
be recorded on a non-transitory medium such as a compact disk (CD),
a digital universal disk (DVD), a flash memory, or the like. By
installing software recorded in the above-described medium in a
substantial computer device such as a personal computer, a personal
digital assistant (PDA), or a smartphone, the above-described
programs and process can be executed by the computer device.
[0092] As described above, a sphygmomanometer of the present
disclosure has a nighttime blood pressure measurement mode for
automatically starting blood pressure measurement according to a
predetermined schedule, wherein
[0093] the schedule includes a first type schedule in which blood
pressure measurement is started at a predetermined time and a
second type schedule in which blood pressure measurement is started
at a predetermined time interval from a designated time, the
sphygmomanometer comprising:
[0094] a control unit that disables one of first blood pressure
measurement scheduled based on the first type schedule and second
blood pressure measurement scheduled based on the second type
schedule or changes one of a start time of the first blood pressure
measurement and a start time of the second blood pressure
measurement to provide idle time between the first blood pressure
measurement and the second blood pressure measurement in a case
where a time zone of the first blood pressure measurement and a
time zone of the second blood pressure measurement at least
partially overlap with each other or in a case where a time
difference between the time zone of the first blood pressure
measurement and the time zone of the second blood pressure
measurement is equal to or less than a predetermined value.
[0095] In the present description, the "first type schedule" and
the "second type schedule" included in the "schedule" define start
times of blood pressure measurement (which usually requires for
about one minute to two minutes). The "time interval" of the blood
pressure measurement in the "second type schedule" means an
interval between the "designated time" and a start time of certain
blood pressure measurement or an interval between a start time of
certain blood pressure measurement and a next start time, and is
assumed to have the same meaning as a cycle.
[0096] The "designated time" means a time designated by the user
(typically, the subject) of the sphygmomanometer, and may be, for
example, a time when the user inputs an instruction to make a
transition to the nighttime blood pressure measurement mode to the
sphygmomanometer.
[0097] The "time zone" of the blood pressure measurement refers to
time (for example, in the oscillometric method in which a measured
site of the subject is temporarily pressed by a blood pressure
measuring cuff to measure blood pressure, it usually takes about
one minute to two minutes) in which the blood pressure measurement
is actually performed.
[0098] According to this sphygmomanometer, in a case where the time
zone of the first blood pressure measurement and the time zone of
the second blood pressure measurement at least partially overlap,
or in a case where the time difference between the time zone of the
first blood pressure measurement and the time zone of the second
blood pressure measurement is equal to or less than a predetermined
value (small), the control unit adjusts the scheduled start time of
the first blood pressure measurement or the scheduled start time of
the second blood pressure measurement. That is, the control unit
disables one of the first blood pressure measurement and the second
blood pressure measurement, or changes one of the start time of the
first blood pressure measurement and the start time of the second
blood pressure measurement to provide the idle time between the
first blood pressure measurement and the second blood pressure
measurement. In this manner, in the nighttime blood pressure
measurement, when the blood pressure measurement performed at the
predetermined time overlaps with or is close to the blood pressure
measurement performed at the predetermined time interval from going
to sleep, a situation in which the blood pressure measurement is
continuously performed is avoided. Therefore, the physical burden
on the subject is small, and sleep is not inhibited.
[0099] The present disclosure provides the sphygmomanometer
according to one embodiment, further comprising:
[0100] a mode operation unit that inputs a mode instruction for
switching a mode to the nighttime blood pressure measurement mode,
wherein
[0101] the control unit includes:
[0102] a first determination unit that determines whether or not
the time zone of the first blood pressure measurement scheduled
based on the first type schedule and the time zone of the second
blood pressure measurement scheduled based on the second type
schedule at least partially overlap with each other or whether or
not the time difference between the time zone of the first blood
pressure measurement and the time zone of the second blood pressure
measurement is equal to or less than the predetermined value as the
mode instruction is input and transition is made to the nighttime
blood pressure measurement mode; and
[0103] a first adjustment unit that performs adjustment to disable
one of the first blood pressure measurement and the second blood
pressure measurement or provide the idle time between the first
blood pressure measurement and the second blood pressure
measurement by changing one of the start time of the first blood
pressure measurement and the start time of the second blood
pressure measurement as a result of the determination is obtained
in a case where the result of the determination is an affirmative
result that the time zones partially overlap or the time difference
is equal to or less than the predetermined value.
[0104] "Transition is made to the nighttime blood pressure
measurement mode" typically refers to a time point at which
transition is made to the nighttime blood pressure measurement
mode, but may be within time in which the subject is expected not
to fall asleep yet, for example, within five minutes from the time
point. Similarly, "as a result of the determination is obtained"
typically refers to a time point at which a result of the
determination is obtained, but may be within time in which the
subject is expected not to fall asleep yet, for example, within
five minutes from the time point.
[0105] According to the sphygmomanometer, a result of the
determination is obtained as the mode instruction is input and the
sphygmomanometer makes a transition to the nighttime blood pressure
measurement mode, and the adjustment by the first adjustment unit
is performed as an affirmative result of the determination is
obtained. Therefore, after the subject inputs the mode instruction
by the mode operation unit, the adjustment by the first adjustment
unit is performed within time in which the subject is expected to
have not fallen asleep yet.
[0106] The present disclosure provides the sphygmomanometer
according to one embodiment, further comprising:
[0107] a display; and
[0108] a time operation unit for inputting a shift amount by which
to shift a start time of blood pressure measurement, wherein
[0109] the first adjustment unit
[0110] displays the start time of the first blood pressure
measurement and/or the start time of the second blood pressure
measurement on the display in the case where the result of the
determination is the affirmative result, and
[0111] provides the idle time between the first blood pressure
measurement and the second blood pressure measurement by shifting
one of the start time of the first blood pressure measurement and
the start time of the second blood pressure measurement by using
the shift amount input by the time operation unit.
[0112] "To shift a start time" of the blood pressure measurement
refers to moving the start time in an advancing direction or a
delaying direction.
[0113] According to this sphygmomanometer, in a case where the
result of the determination is the affirmative result, the first
adjustment unit causes the display to display the start time of the
first blood pressure measurement and/or the start time of the
second blood pressure measurement. Therefore, the user (primarily,
the subject) can recognize that the result of the determination is
the affirmative result and adjustment processing is necessary by
viewing display on the display. Here, when the user inputs the
shift amount by which to shift the start time of the blood pressure
measurement by the time operation unit, the first adjustment unit
shifts one of the start time of the first blood pressure
measurement and the start time of the second blood pressure
measurement by using the shift amount input by the time operation
unit to provide the idle time between the first blood pressure
measurement and the second blood pressure measurement. For example,
the start time of the second blood pressure measurement is shifted
in a direction to be delayed by the shift amount input by the time
operation unit. In this manner, the idle time can be provided
between the first blood pressure measurement and the second blood
pressure measurement as desired by the user.
[0114] The present disclosure provides the sphygmomanometer
according to one embodiment, wherein
[0115] the control unit includes:
[0116] a second determination unit that determines whether or not a
time zone of next first blood pressure measurement scheduled based
on the first type schedule and a time zone of next second blood
pressure measurement scheduled based on the second type schedule at
least partially overlap with each other or whether or not a time
difference between the time zone of the next first blood pressure
measurement and the time zone of the next second blood pressure
measurement is equal to or less than the predetermined value as the
first blood pressure measurement based on the first type schedule
or the second blood pressure measurement based on the second type
schedule is performed in the nighttime blood pressure measurement
mode; and
[0117] a second adjustment unit that performs adjustment to disable
one of the next first blood pressure measurement and the next
second blood pressure measurement or provide the idle time between
the next first blood pressure measurement and the next second blood
pressure measurement by changing one of a start time of the next
first blood pressure measurement and a start time of the next
second blood pressure measurement as a result of the determination
is obtained in a case where the result of the determination is an
affirmative result that the time zones partially overlap or the
time difference is equal to or less than the value.
[0118] "As the first blood pressure measurement based on the first
type schedule or the second blood pressure measurement based on the
second type schedule is performed" typically refers to a time point
immediately after the first blood pressure measurement or the
second blood pressure measurement is performed, but may be within
time until next blood pressure measurement is performed, for
example, within five minutes from the time point. Similarly, "as a
result of the determination is obtained" typically refers to a time
point at which a result of the determination is obtained, but may
be within time until next blood pressure measurement is performed,
for example, within five minutes from the time point.
[0119] According to the sphygmomanometer, a result of the
determination is obtained as the first blood pressure measurement
or the second blood pressure measurement is performed, and the
adjustment by the second adjustment unit is performed as an
affirmative result of the determination is obtained. Therefore,
each time the first blood pressure measurement or the second blood
pressure measurement is performed, the adjustment by the second
adjustment unit is performed.
[0120] The present disclosure provides the sphygmomanometer
according to one embodiment, further comprising:
[0121] a time storage unit that stores required measurement time
actually required for past blood pressure measurement, wherein
[0122] the control unit sets a length of a time zone of the first
blood pressure measurement and a length of a time zone of the
second blood pressure measurement based on at least required
measurement time required for previous blood pressure
measurement.
[0123] Here, "length of a time zone" means a length of time for
setting a time zone.
[0124] According to this sphygmomanometer, the required measurement
time actually required for past blood pressure measurement is
stored in the time storage unit. The control unit sets a length of
the time zone of the first blood pressure measurement and a length
of the time zone of the second blood pressure measurement based on
at least required measurement time required for previous blood
pressure measurement. Therefore, the accuracy of setting a length
of the time zone is improved, and an appropriate determination
result can be obtained.
[0125] The present disclosure provides the sphygmomanometer
according to one embodiment, wherein
[0126] the control unit sets a length of a time zone of the first
blood pressure measurement and a length of a time zone of the
second blood pressure measurement to a certain length.
[0127] Here, "certain length" refers to a length that is not
unnecessarily long for next blood pressure measurement after normal
blood pressure measurement is completed, for example, two
minutes.
[0128] According to the sphygmomanometer the control unit sets a
length of a time zone of the first blood pressure measurement and a
length of a time zone of the second blood pressure measurement to a
certain length. Therefore, the length of the time zone may be
easily set. Further, since the length of the time zone is set to a
certain length, a stable determination result can be obtained.
[0129] The present disclosure provides the sphygmomanometer
according to one embodiment, wherein
[0130] the control unit sets the idle time to a certain length.
[0131] Here, "certain length" refers to time (for example, in the
oscillometric method in which a measured site of the subject is
temporarily pressed by a blood pressure measuring cuff to measure
blood pressure, it usually takes about one minute) that is
preferably provided between measurements in consideration of
physical burden on the subject.
[0132] According to this sphygmomanometer, the control unit sets
the idle time to a certain length. Therefore, the length of the
idle time may be easily set. Further, a situation in which the
blood pressure measurement is continuously performed is avoided,
and physical burden on the subject is reduced.
[0133] The present disclosure provides the sphygmomanometer
according to one embodiment, further comprising:
[0134] an adjustment storage unit that stores that the control unit
disables one of the first blood pressure measurement and the second
blood pressure measurement or changes one of the start time of the
first blood pressure measurement and the start time of the second
blood pressure measurement to provide the idle time between the
first blood pressure measurement and the second blood pressure
measurement.
[0135] According to the sphygmomanometer, the adjustment storage
unit stores that the control unit disables one of the first blood
pressure measurement and the second blood pressure measurement or
changes one of the start time of the first blood pressure
measurement and the start time of the second blood pressure
measurement to provide the idle time between the first blood
pressure measurement and the second blood pressure measurement.
Therefore, when the blood pressure measurement performed at a
predetermined time and the blood pressure measurement performed at
a predetermined time interval from going to sleep overlap or are
close to each other in the nighttime blood pressure measurement,
the subject can confirm that a situation in which the blood
pressure measurement is continuously performed is avoided
afterwards, for example, after getting up.
[0136] In another aspect, a blood pressure measurement method of
the present disclosure is performed in a nighttime blood pressure
measurement mode for automatically starting blood pressure
measurement according to a predetermined schedule, wherein
[0137] the schedule includes a first type schedule in which blood
pressure measurement is started at a predetermined time and a
second type schedule in which blood pressure measurement is started
at a predetermined time interval from a designated time, the blood
pressure measurement method comprising:
[0138] setting the first type schedule and the second type
schedule, and
[0139] disabling one of first blood pressure measurement scheduled
based on the first type schedule and second blood pressure
measurement scheduled based on the second type schedule or changing
one of a start time of the first blood pressure measurement and a
start time of the second blood pressure measurement to provide idle
time between the first blood pressure measurement and the second
blood pressure measurement in a case where the time zone of the
first blood pressure measurement and the time zone of the second
blood pressure measurement at least partially overlap with each
other or in a case where a time difference between the time zone of
the first blood pressure measurement and the time zone of the
second blood pressure measurement is equal to or less than a
predetermined value.
[0140] According to the blood pressure measurement method of this
disclosure, in the nighttime blood pressure measurement, when the
blood pressure measurement performed at the predetermined time
overlaps with or is close to the blood pressure measurement
performed at the predetermined time interval from going to sleep, a
situation in which the blood pressure measurement is continuously
performed is avoided.
[0141] In still another aspect, a computer-readable recording
medium of the present disclosure is a computer-readable recording
medium non-transitorily storing a program for causing a computer to
execute the blood pressure measurement method.
[0142] By making a computer read the program stored in the
computer-readable recording medium according to the present
disclosure and causing a computer to execute the program, the blood
pressure measurement method can be implemented.
[0143] As clear from the above, according to the sphygmomanometer
and the blood pressure measurement method of the present invention,
a situation in which blood pressure measurement is continuously
performed when blood pressure measurement performed at a
predetermined time overlaps with or is close to blood pressure
measurement performed at a predetermined time interval from a time
of going to sleep can be avoided. Further, according to the program
stored in the computer-readable recording medium of the present
invention, it is possible to cause a computer to execute such a
blood pressure measurement method.
[0144] It is to be noted that the various embodiments described
above can be appreciated individually within each embodiment, but
the embodiments can be combined together. It is also to be noted
that the various features in different embodiments can be
appreciated individually by its own, but the features in different
embodiments can be combined.
* * * * *